Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Dies at 40 After Courageous Cancer Battle

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba Dies at 40 After Courageous Cancer Battle

The Nigerian movie industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of popular Yoruba Nollywood actress and producer, Temitope Osoba, who reportedly passed away at the age of 40. Her death has left colleagues, fans, and loved ones devastated. Announcing her passage on Wednesday morning, her close associate and colleague, actor Alesh Ola Sanni, disclosed that the actress died on Tuesday evening. In an emotional Instagram post, he wrote: “Couldn’t sleep since last night, it’s well. Rest in peace my dearest sister, Temitope Osoba. We had amazing time and good memories together, till we meet again. I really dunno what to say mehn, gosh.”

Osoba’s death comes nearly two years after she underwent breast cancer surgery and after she had publicly documented her health struggles. She had previously opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis, describing the moment she discovered a lump during a self-examination in late 2024. According to Osoba, she found a lump in her breast and sought medical help, but a private hospital doctor initially told her the lump was linked to her being of childbearing age. Despite that reassurance, she remained unsettled and continued monitoring the area, eventually noticing the lump had grown. Further testing confirmed the presence of cancer. She underwent surgery in November 2024 to remove the tumour, and doctors later advised her to undergo a second operation to eliminate the remaining cancer cells. A CT scan brought some relief, showing the cancer had not spread significantly, and doctors confirmed she would not need a mastectomy or chemotherapy — only radiation treatment.

Nollywood Actress Temitope Osoba

READ ALSO:

Covering the cost of treatment proved a significant challenge for the actress. In November 2024, Osoba solicited financial assistance from the public for her second surgery. She reached out to colleagues for financial support, with actress Foluke Daramola stepping in to help raise awareness and funds on her behalf. Daramola later told her that the response had been limited because many people did not recognise her face, which prompted Osoba to make a public video appeal. The campaign worked, and Osoba successfully completed her treatment.

In August 2025, Osoba announced her return to acting following her recovery. In a video posted on Instagram, she became emotional as she appreciated her fans, colleagues, and supporters for standing by her with prayers and encouragement throughout her battle with the disease. She said the experience transformed her life, adding that it inspired her to rebrand her career and strengthened her determination to use her story to motivate others. “Dear beloved fans, supporters, and loved ones, I’m Temitope Osoba, and after my cancer experience, I’m excited to announce my reintroduction. This journey has been a turning point, leading to my rebranding, reshaping, and rebuilding. I’m emerging stronger, more resilient, and more passionate about sharing my story and inspiring others,” she said.

Osoba had also revealed how cancer almost prevented her from conceiving. In an interview on Oyinmomo TV, she disclosed that doctors told her she would not be able to conceive for the next five years because of the medications she would have to take, as they could affect the baby. She was placed on a five-year medication plan, during which her doctors advised against pregnancy. She, however, said she rejected the report, held onto her faith, and began praying and fasting over the issue. “I was told I had cancer and that further tests would be carried out to check how far it had spread. The doctors also said I wouldn’t be able to conceive for the next 5 years because of the medications I’d have to take, as they could affect the baby. Hearing that at 38 years old was devastating. I couldn’t imagine waiting that long. But I rejected the report and held on to my faith in God,” she said.

News of her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief online, with many stunned that the actress, who had fought so hard to survive, is gone. While tributes have poured in from fans and colleagues, as of the time of filing this report, the cause of Osoba’s death had not been officially disclosed and no official statement had been released by her family or management.